Here is a list of our on-going programs

ADVANCED HERBAL STUDY with William LeSassier

We are thrilled to have William LeSassier join us to teach this advanced program in the study of the organ pathologies using oriental (five element) and western treatment protocols. We will learn techniques of diagnosis including tongue, pulse, facial, nail and skin which reveal an in-depth study of character and health. William will guide us through this almost forgotten but fascinating art. We will also improve our formulations using both Chinese and western herbs. Come and increase your herbal repertoire of skills and understanding of disease states.

With over 25 years of clinical experience William LeSassier is one of the foremost herbalists in the U.S. He is a clinical herbalist and acupuncturist and currently practices in New York City. He is the founder and the former director Christos School of Natural Healing in Taos, New Mexico. He also created the triangle system of herbal formulation.

Springtime Tonics & Weeds with Pat Rudolph

March 22 Saturday,10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Cost $65, Deposit $35

As we welcome spring, season of rebirth, you will learn the benefits of using the plant world’s bounty offered us to revitalize and re-energize our winter weary selves. We’ll explore and create delicious spring tonics of weeds and roots, some herbal teas for allergy relief and yummy dishes of wild greens including recipes for salads, vinegar’s, and dressings. We will also discuss the importance of ethical wild crafting practices.

Patricia A. Rudolph is a therapeutic herbalist offering consultations and classes to her community in central NJ. She has over 15 years of experiences with herbs and wild weeds, a deep love of gardening and the earth, a background in botany & feminist causes, and passions for aromatherapy, witchery, women’s spirituality, history and music.

Holistic Pet Care with Deb Pouech

In this two part class we will look at diet, herbs and flower essences that can keep your companion animal naturally healthy. In the first class we will focus on a more natural diet and safe environment to promote wellness. In the second class we will talk about herbs, flower essences and other healing modalities for flea & tick control, skin problems and strengthening the immune system. Bring a photo of your pets and questions for discussion.

Deb Pouech owner of Herbs ‘n Honey in Stafford Springs, CT, is an herbalist, master gardener and apitherapist. A lifelong gardener, Deb apprenticed at with Gail Ulrich at BSHS and continues her herbal studies with renown herbalists. President of Northeast Herbal Association, past council member of Connecticut Herb Association, and a member of Connecticut Master Gardeners Association, Deb shares her love of all things herbal in her workshops and lectures.

Cordial Making with Deb Pouech

Herbs and fruits can be steeped in wine or liquors to make delicious drinks for sipping and sharing. We will make and sample cranberry cordial, ginger elixir and herbed wine as we discuss recipe ideas and historical usage.

TREATING CHRONIC DISORDERS with Phyllis Light, AHG

There are no specifically known causes for chronic disorders. Though certain body systems seem to play a strategic role i.e. the adrenals, the endocrine system as a whole, the liver, pancreas and gallbladder, no one organ system can be pinpointed as the root cause or the root cure. Mitochondria health and productions seems to play a role affecting energy levels and the Krebs cycle. The whole body is generally affected to some measure resulting in pain and inflammation in muscles and connective tissue. Dysfunction of the
digestive and eliminative systems are common.

Friday night special –

“Stories from a traditional Southern Appalachian Herbalist” Appalachian Medicine Plants & People of the South.

Phyllis Light, AHG, a fourth generation herbalist, has studied traditional herbalism with elders throughout the Appalachian mountains as well as Cherokee herbalism with her grandmother. Phyllis has also studied Biomedicine and Ayurveda. She has been a practicing herbalist for about 20 years with experience in both clinical and private settings including an integrative medical clinic. Phyllis is also Director of Herbal Studies at Clayton College of Natural Health.

Mother, Maiden, Crone: Healthy Transitions in a Woman’s Life with tony(a) lemos

Sundays, Aug 17, Sept 28, Oct 5, 9:30am – 4pm
Cost $195 Deposit $100

In the spirit of educate not medicate we will explore the cycles of a woman’s life. We will spiral through menstruation, mothering and menopause discussing health and dis-ease, exploring whether hormonal imbalances in our bodies actually reflect greater imbalances in our culture? By incorporating the use of herbs, healthy foods, ceremony and yoga into our lives we can begin to reclaim our health and harmony as women. We will explore herbs sacred to women’s bodies and lives, herbal preparations that can nourish and heal our beautiful body through its cycles and changes. This transformational series empowers women to take charge of their body and make informed choices about their changing cycles.

Herbal First Aid Kit with tony(a) lemos

There are some basic items that we can have prepared and available to make life easier when something unfortunate happens. We will discuss conditions you are likely to encounter. We will peruse the gardens for herbs that can commonly be gathered. And we’ll talk about simple kitchen remedies that can be picked up in supermarkets or pharmacies around the world. Be prepared with basic tinctures, slaappillen kopen, salves, flower essences, essential oils and Chinese patent herbal products. Bring a bag or box for your kit to fill with the first aid essentials you will learn to make in this class.

Herbal Facial Care with tony(a) lemos

Wed July 9, 2003 6-9pm
Cost $30 Deposit $20

In this first class we will focus on the face . . . creating and using home made products to cleanse, tone and moisturize the skin (scrubs, masks, toners, moisturizers and facial massage techniques.) In this hands-on class, you will prepare your own facial care products, and come up with a care routine that works best for you. Bring a friend so that you can give each other regular facials!

Tea-Thyme with tony(a) lemos

Wed Aug 27, 2003 6-9pm
Cost $30 Deposit $20

The art of Herbal Tea Blending. Herbal tea blending an art? Art is defined as “the quality, production, expression, or realm of what is beautiful, or of more than ordinary significance.” A colorful blend of herbs, varying textures, contrasting and complimenting flavors to create an extraordinary cup of tea, consideration can be given to the healing qualities of the herbs used in your blend. Herbal teas are healthy, nutritious, and healing.

In this class we will peruse the garden and collect fresh herbs, while discussing a little history, a little technical info such as preparation and brewing.

FOSTERING RESILIENCE: Rearing Healthy Children in Challenging Times with Peeka Trenkle, AHG

Health is not merely the absence of disease. Natural health is a state in which the vital force adapts and responds to the environment in ways that maintain a dynamic homeostasis in the individual. Children now need to adapt to an environment which is much more potentially damaging to health than ever before. The idea of immunity (defined as “not affected or responsive; exempt”) needs to be challenged in our changing environment and a new idea of adaptability fostered instead.

This weekend we will cover the many ways in which parents and care givers can build resilient health in their children. We will cover the use of herbal remedies, essential oils, flower essences, homeopathy and healing foods for all ages and how to care for the health of the whole family in the home.

Peeka Trenkle, AHG, is a practicing herbalist and classical homeopath specializing in the natural health of women and families. She is on the faculty of the New York Open Center where she teaches ‘Green Medicine: an Eight Month Training in Herbal Medicine’. Peeka is the producer of the bi-annual ‘Art of Birthing’ conference in NYC and is a longtime advocate for natural health. (She is also the mother of
three boys).

Cooking for Winter Health with tony(a) lemos

Saturday, Oct 18 10am – 4pm
Cost $65, Deposit $35

Don’t let winter get you down! Whether you want to improve you own health or help your family, this class will teach you how to use simple kitchen remedies and traditional foods to strengthen your immune system. We will discuss flu prevention and nutritive tonics to help you through winter in your best health! Nature offers us wisdom about how to live in harmony with ourselves and the different seasons. When we resist and fight against the natural flow of nature and push ourselves as hard as we can we become weak and more susceptible to dis-eases. The winter season is for observing, inner reflection, deeply resting , replenishing ourselves each winter is essential for our overall health.

On-Going Courses

Anatomy and Physiology with Lorene Wapotich

Understanding human physiology is important for herbalist, complementary medicine practitioners and anyone who wants to take better care of her or his body. The human body is an amazing place to live and this class will give you a foundational understanding of the many miracles that give us life. We will study all of the organ systems of the body, learning how each one functions and how they work together. We also will explore disease and healing processes related to each system and discuss relevant herbs and their physiological actions.

Lorene Wapotich is a dynamic teacher who is passionate about empowering people through education. Lorene has 12 years experience in the field of herbal medicine and 17 years experience in the field of outdoor leadership. Lorene served on the faculty of the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies for six years and ran her own business leading wilderness journeys for women before moving to Vermont in 2000. Currently she teaches herbal classes, leads wilderness trips, and mentors people in the ancient Earth living skills practiced by our ancestors

Advanced Materia Medica with tony(a) lemos

Join Tony(a) to profile three herbs each class and create a valuable materia medica. We will talk about common uses throughout the ages, emphasizing native, eclectic, and modern therapeutics. We will review research and literature. For intermediate to advanced students.

Eco-Feminism with Angel Russek

Ecofeminism combines the insight of feminist perspective with ecological wisdom. It opens the door to broader analysis of the dynamics contributing to the continued exploitation of the earth linking the treatment of the earth to the treatment of women, the poor, children, people of color and other marginalized groups. In this class we will explore our individual, community and global relationship to this topic through readings, writing, experiential activities, outdoor exploration and discussion. Participants will finish the course having integrated the learned theory of ecofeminism into practical response in their own lives.

Angel Russek is currently the Director of the Community Coalition for Teens, a county-wide organization working to improve the health and life options of youth in our region. She spent 15 years working with the Audubon Expedition Institute, a field-based experiential education program offering degrees in Environmental Education. She serves as adjunct faculty at Greenfield Community College in the Human Ecology Department teaching courses such as Gender Issues in Human Ecology, Strategies for a Sustainable Future and A Council of All Beings. She works best at the place where politics, spirituality and ecology meet.